Las Vegas Rideshare Accident Lawyers

With millions of visitors each year, it’s no wonder that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft and courier services like Postmates, TaskRabbit, or DoorDash are popular in Las Vegas. But the high volume of traffic and complicated road layouts can lead to accidents involving rideshare vehicles.

Both locals and tourists can find themselves in complicated legal battles when pursuing damages for rideshare accident injuries. Rideshare injury lawyers in Las Vegas face a complicated web of insurance coverages, contracted drivers, and powerful companies. An experienced attorney like those at Blackburn Wirth can help.

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How Las Vegas Rideshare Lawyers Can Help You After an Accident

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident or a delivery service crash, you need guidance from experienced Las Vegas ridesharing accident lawyers who stay up to date as laws and regulations evolve. You need the accident lawyers at Blackburn Wirth.

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Determining Liability in a Las Vegas Rideshare Accident

When rideshare companies, independent contractors, multiple insurance companies, and app services are involved, a car accident claim can become complicated quickly. Determining liability, especially when two or more vehicles are involved, can be a nightmare.

One law that a good rideshare accident lawyer in Las Vegas will be familiar with is comparative negligence: In Nevada, multiple parties can contribute to the cause of a rideshare vehicle accident. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages for a personal injury. Under the law, remaining liable parties will be responsible for their shares.

In many cases, parties point fingers at each other, denying any responsibility for the accident. For people without an experienced lawyer, the battle to recover compensation can rage on for months or even years.

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Gathering Evidence

In the fast-paced environment of Las Vegas, evidence from a rideshare accident can disappear quickly. A Las Vegas rideshare lawyer knows exactly what evidence to look for and how to preserve it. They’ll obtain the police report, seek out surveillance footage from nearby casinos and hotels, and interview witnesses, which can be challenging in a city where people come and go quickly.

A good legal team can also dig into the rideshare driver’s background, examine the company’s policies, and work with your healthcare providers to document your injuries. In short, a good rideshare accident attorney in Las Vegas can be the difference between a modest settlement and full compensation.

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Negotiating with Insurance Companies

The laws regarding rideshare crashes and insurance coverages are complicated and ever-changing. Insurance companies will often try to impose petty delays or refer to out-of-date regulations to avoid paying their share for your injuries.

Right after an accident, insurance reps typically swarm in to settle injury claims before victims have had a chance to realize the extent of their injuries or think with a clear head. Even if that quick settlement offer sounds appealing, be sure to speak with a lawyer before you sign anything or cash any checks.

Whether your injury case is straightforward or complicated, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to make sure your claim receives personalized attention and you receive compensation that is commensurate with your injuries and losses.

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Dealing with Out-of-State Cases

Rideshare services are popular among out-of-towners who are visiting Las Vegas. In fact, about 19% of visitors use these services when they come to town. If you’re injured as a tourist, this can add layers of complexity to your case, especially when it comes to insurance coverage and jurisdiction issues. If you live in another country and were treated there after the accident, pursuing damages becomes even more complicated.

A Las Vegas ridesharing accident attorney is experienced in handling these out-of-state cases. They can help you understand which laws apply to your situation and how to proceed if you’re from another state or country. And they’ll make sure you stay updated on the progress as your case proceeds to settlement or trial. In many cases, claimants don’t even need to return to Nevada to recover damages.

Uber & Lyft Accident Victims May Be Covered for Up to $1 Million in Damages

If you were an Uber or Lyft passenger and injured in a rideshare accident, you may be covered for up to $1 million in damages by the company’s commercial liability insurance policy. Unfortunately, sifting through the complexities of the insurance coverages can be a challenge. That’s why there are Las Vegas Uber and Lyft rideshare accident attorneys to stay on top of liability insurance coverage, which is divided into three levels depending on the driver’s activity.

 

Level One: No Rideshare Activity

Level one insurance coverage applies when the Uber or Lyft driver is using the vehicle for personal use. During this period, the driver’s personal liability insurance policy applies. Coverage limits for a personal policy are often much lower than commercial policies provided by Uber and Lyft.

In Nevada, drivers are only required to carry $20,000 liability coverage for property damage and $25,000 in coverage per person per accident for injuries or deaths. However, some insurance companies offer Nevada rideshare drivers “gap” insurance, also referred to as “rideshare policies.” This coverage is optional and provides extra coverage for the rideshare driver when he or she is offline.

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Level Two: Driver Mode Without Passengers

When the driver is logged into the app and is awaiting passengers, level two insurance coverage applies. During this stage, the Uber or Lyft driver is provided with contingent liability insurance. While the driver’s personal insurance policy is primary, excess damages are covered by the rideshare app’s insurance policy.

Uber and Lyft contingent insurance policies provide up to $50,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident. If two or more people are hurt or killed, the policies provide up to $100,000 in coverage. Drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists and their passengers are covered under these blanket policies.

 

Level Three: Ride Request Accepted and Transporting the Rider

Once a rideshare driver accepts a ride request through the app, level three insurance coverage begins. This level of coverage continues until the rider is dropped off and the ride has ended in the app.

In level three, Uber or Lyft’s passenger commercial liability insurance is in effect and is typically the primary policy. The insurance covers up to $1 million in damages for injuries or deaths to a single person and up to $2 million for two or more people who are injured or killed in a crash.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Nevada, serious injuries can result in lost time from work, medical bills, and emotional and physical pain. The steps you take after a rideshare accident can mean the difference between financial stability as you heal or facing the burden of lost income and high expenses for years to come.

 

Prioritize Health and Safety

Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyers have seen it all, and we know that even if you feel fine or your injuries are seemingly minor, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. They might uncover something you didn’t notice, and delayed medical treatment can result in minor injuries becoming serious or serious injuries becoming deadly. For more serious injuries, like broken bones or bumps to the head, it’s important to start treatment right away.

 

Report the Accident

Don’t assume the other driver will make the call – report the incident to the police yourself. In Las Vegas, you’re required to report any motor vehicle accident that results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage of more than $750. You should also report it to Uber, Lyft, or other app-based service company. Both Uber and Lyft offer easy access for accident reporting. You can either log in to the app, call the company, or go online to report crashes.

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Gather Information

It’s important to obtain the contact and insurance information of rideshare drivers and anyone else who is involved in a crash. Use your smartphone to take pictures and video of the vehicles, the crash scene, and any factors that may have contributed to the wreck. Gather witness statements or get their contact information. If you’re able, jot down notes about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.

 

Use Caution When Making Statements

Whether you’re speaking to the police, the driver, an insurance representative, or the rideshare company, don’t say more than you absolutely have to say. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to get facts confused, express unnecessary guilt, or say something else that could damage your injury case.

 

Contact a Las Vegas Ridesharing Accident Attorney

It’s important to make sure you’re in good hands with a rideshare injury lawyer who is familiar with the laws specific to Las Vegas. If you’re an out-of-state visitor injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, don’t wait until you return to your home state to seek legal advice from a local attorney. Contacting a rideshare crash attorney in Las Vegas ensures you save time and maximizes your chances of a full financial recovery.

Why Choose Us as YourLas Vegas Rideshare Accident Lawyers

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At Blackburn Wirth, our injury lawyers have handled more Uber and Lyft accident cases than any other law firm in Nevada. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments particular to ridesharing apps. Our rideshare injury lawyers in Las Vegas have developed a track record for success in obtaining fair compensation when rideshare users and other motorists are hurt or killed.

As the popularity of Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and similar app-based services in Nevada continues to increase, so does the number of accidents and injuries involving their drivers. If you were hurt, turn to the injury lawyers at Blackburn Wirth. Fill out our online form or call 702-472-7000 to get started with your recovery.

FAQs for Rideshare Accident Lawyers in Las Vegas

What Requirements Do Uber and Lyft Drivers in Las Vegas Have to Meet?

Not many. Uber drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a minimum of one year of experience as a licensed driver. If drivers are under 23, they must have three years of driving experience. They must also have a valid Nevada driver’s license. A clean driving record, a social security number, and the ability to pass a background check are also required.

For Lyft, drivers must be 21 years of age, have one year of driving experience, a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a background check. Drivers with drug or DUI convictions, reckless driving, criminal histories, and fatal accidents are prohibited.

Additionally, all Nevada rideshare or on-demand drivers must have a Nevada State Business License. Drivers in Las Vegas must also obtain a Clark County Business License in addition to the state license.

What If an Uninsured Driver Hits the Rideshare Vehicle?

Uber and Lyft passenger insurance policies have coverages to protect riders from uninsured and underinsured motorists. For example, Lyft’s UM/UIM policy provides up to $1 million per accident for injuries that occur between the time you are picked up and the ride ends. You may also be able to sue the uninsured driver for damages.

Can I Sue Other App-Based Driving Services?

Yes. Compensation may come from the driver’s personal liability insurance policy, the company’s commercial liability insurance, or a third party’s liability insurance (when another at-fault party is involved). Most app-based delivery companies, like UberEats, Postmates, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, and Amazon Delivery, provide commercial liability insurance coverage to pay for injuries and losses suffered by other parties when drivers are “on the clock.”

In some cases, delivery service companies like GrubHub do not provide any commercial liability insurance coverage. However, they may still be able to be held liable when someone is hurt. If the injured person can prove that the company was negligent in the hiring or worker retention process, for instance, the company can be held liable for negligence.

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft for My Accident?

Your ability to recover damages from Uber or Lyft after an accident depends on the circumstances of your case. If the driver was at fault, both companies provide liability insurance of up to $1 million to compensate you for your losses. If negligent hiring practices are a factor, the companies may be able to be held liable. A Las Vegas Uber and Lyft rideshare accident lawyer can help you move forward with your case.